Crybaby Bridge - Pfeiffer

Crybaby Bridge - Pfeiffer

Overview

Crybaby Bridge near Pfeiffer, Ohio, is associated with a persistent local legend involving the ghostly cries of infants heard at night. According to the stories, the bridge is haunted by the spirits of babies who were thrown into the Scioto River by distressed mothers many years ago. The legend is one of many “crybaby bridge” tales found throughout the United States and is well-known in the region.

Location

• Address: Spanning the Scioto River, south of Pfeiffer, Ohio
• City/County: Pfeiffer / Hardin County
• Public Access: Yes

Haunting / Legend Summary

According to local legend:

• The cries of infants can be heard coming from the area near or beneath the bridge, particularly at night.
• The legend claims that young, unmarried mothers—both Amish and non-Amish ("English")—disposed of their children by placing them beneath the bridge or throwing them into the river.
• No specific time of year is associated with increased activity, but many accounts suggest the phenomenon occurs at night.

Historical Background

There is not enough available information for this section.

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: N/A
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: Witnesses report hearing unexplained cries, believed to be those of infants.
• Physical Touches: N/A
• Object Movement: N/A
• Malfunctions: N/A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: N/A
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

• Similar "crybaby bridge" legends exist across the country and are often regarded as urban folklore.
• The reported infant cries may be attributed to natural sounds in the environment such as animals, wind, or water acoustics under the bridge structure.
• There is no historical documentation supporting claims of infanticide at this location, making it difficult to verify the legend.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Open access via public roads; visit during daylight hours is advised.
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: N/A
• Warnings/Restrictions: Exercise caution near the bridge and riverbank; the site is remote and may not be regularly maintained.

Citations / References

• Local legend as described in regional folklore collections and oral history reports.